The long-awaited film adaptation of 'Les Miserables' debuts Christmas Day

By Will MacDonald

Published: Friday, December 21, 2012 at 08:19 PM.

For fans, the long wait is finally over. One of the most anticipated films of the year, “Les Miserables ” opens in theaters on Christmas Day, the big-screen version of the musical based on the book by Victor Hugo. With the opening just days away, we take a look at the making of the movie.

LET’S GET STARTED

Coming in cold? Here’s what you need to know. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables ” tells the story of e x-convict Jean Valjean who is hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman, Javert, after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette , their lives are changed forever.

The musical is based on the historical novel by French author, Victor Hugo. The book was first published in 1862 and is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. The title of the book translates from French to English as “The Miserable.”

5 THINGS ABOUT LES MIS

1. BY THE NUMBERS – The stage musical has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe. It is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 28th year.

2. THEY’RE NOT LIP SYNCHING – Every song in the movie was recorded live. The actors wore ear pieces so they could hear a live piano being played off stage to help them stay in key.

For fans, the long wait is finally over. One of the most anticipated films of the year, “Les Miserables ” opens in theaters on Christmas Day, the big-screen version of the musical based on the book by Victor Hugo. With the opening just days away, we take a look at the making of the movie.

LET’S GET STARTED

Coming in cold? Here’s what you need to know. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables ” tells the story of e x-convict Jean Valjean who is hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman, Javert, after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette , their lives are changed forever.

The musical is based on the historical novel by French author, Victor Hugo. The book was first published in 1862 and is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. The title of the book translates from French to English as “The Miserable.”

5 THINGS ABOUT LES MIS

1. BY THE NUMBERS – The stage musical has been seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe. It is still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 28th year.

2. THEY’RE NOT LIP SYNCHING – Every song in the movie was recorded live. The actors wore ear pieces so they could hear a live piano being played off stage to help them stay in key.

3. A FRESH SONG – Besides all the favorites from the musical, the original composer and lyricist have created a new song for the movie.

4. HAVEN’T YOU SEEN THEM BEFORE? Probably! Many people who made a name for themselves in the stage productions are seen in the movie in supporting roles. Colm Wilkinson, for example, who originated the role of Jean Valjean in both the New York and London productions, plays the Bishop of DIgne .

*Before Anne Hathaway landed the role of Fantine, Amy Adams , Jessica Biel , Kate Winslet and Marion Cotillard were considered for the role. After working with Hathaway at an Academy Awards ceremony, Hugh Jackman lobbied for her to get the part. It turns out Hathaway might have been distined for the role – her mother, Kate McCauley Hathaway, played to part in the first U.S. tour of the musical.

*The competition for the role of Eponine was fierce. Hayden Panettiere , Scarlett Johansson , and Lea Michele all auditioned for the part and it was rumored that Taylor Swift had been cast. In end, the role went to stage actress Samantha Barks .

* Amanda Seyfried who plays Cossette said it took four months of auditioning to get the part and that the casting directors repeatedly told her she was not right for the film. “Harry Potter’s” Emma Watson was one of the many actresses who tired out for the role.

*For Eddie Redmayne , who plays Marius, the auditioning process wasn’t so tough. Using his iPhone , he recorded himself singing while he was on location shooting a movie in North Carolina.

FAMOUS EXCHANGE

Jean Valjean : “I stole a loaf of bread. My sister’s child was close to death and we were starving …”

Javert : “And you will starve again unless you learn the meaning of the law!”